Ford City Arts Festival Coming Saturday

by Jonathan Weaver

Only two weekends remain before classes are back in session in the Armstrong School District.

And Ford City Library hopes local students take advantage of the summer weather and join them in Heritage Park this Saturday for their first Arts Festival and Craft Fair.

Library Director Anita Bowser said a similar program was held in the park two years ago, but staff members have been able to provide a larger event this year thanks to a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grant.

“We actually did a scaled-down version about 2-3 years ago, mainly with a DJ and a band, “Muddy Creek”, with a lot of children’s activities,” Bowser said.

This year, from noon-6PM, local residents will also be able to enjoy art exhibits – such as photography, film and anime – as well as view improvisation, dance from Middle-Eastern dance troupe, “SUVERNA” and also listen to the Ford City Heritage Choir.

Staff members received the grant funding this Spring after applying for the money in May 2012.

“Part of that grant required us to have some sort of performance or exhibit, so we decided to go with the festival,” Bowser said.

“And to bring culture to our community.”

Bowser applied for the grant to allow for this summer’s teen writing retreats at the Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center. Local writers facilitated events during the weekend retreats to inspire young writers and teach updated techniques in style and mechanics.

Self-published Kittanning author Jeff Boarts was the final retreat novelist the weekend of August 2nd.

Bowser has since applied for the grant again, but said if the library receives such funding, the workshops will be expanded a day and possibly be spread throughout the school year.

A weeklong workshop was held with grant proceeds in 2012.

Bowser looks forward to this weekend and hopes that staff can continue to learn from the event and help plan for future events.

Chris Cramer will lead eight members of the Indiana County-based dance troupe “SUVERNA” (which means pure gold). She has led also a teen belly-dancing workshop at the library in the past.

“Some people don’t understand it – some people do. (But) wherever I teach, it’s always well-received,” Cramer said.

Cramer is also a member of the Ford City Library Board of Trustees.

As is Grace Charney, who has been one of the 14 vocalists in the Heritage Choir for the past 26 years. She said the group is usually done for the season by now – after four months of rehearsals preparing for veterans memorial events and Ford City Heritage Days, but is happy to be involved.

“This isn’t a problem to get back together. We all like to sing.” Charney said. “We all enjoy each other and getting together.”

Choir Director Ada Jean Hoffman said the group was asked in May to sing. The 14 vocalists – both local teenagers and adults - will sing patriotic, religious and “Big Band” songs.

“I hope that we are able to have enough of a variety to satisfy everyone’s musical interests,” Hoffman said. “And maybe encourage people to join.”

Hoffman is in her first year of retirement after teaching music in the West Middlesex Area School District in Mercer County.

Armstrong Community Theatre’s Troy Dinga is also to perform some of “Broadway’s Best” for the event.

Dinga also graduated from Ford City High School in June after being a fixture on the high school stage.

The acoustic band “Muddy Creek” is also to return for a performance.

Bowser said space is still available for crafters to set up a table at the afternoon event. Interested participants should contact the library for details.